Ensemble teaches rhythm is a universal language

January 24, 2011|By JACKIE COUGHENOUR

Salisbury — Many band members from Salisbury-Elk Lick High School are getting a sampling of what music is like in other lands by participating in the World Drumming Ensemble. From left are, in front: Branden Hershberger, Bongo drum; Joel Bender, Djembe drum; Aaron Maust, Tubano drum; Colby Hershberger, Amy Bluebaugh, Brody Thomas, all with Djembes; Andrea Maust, Tubano and Amanda Jobes, Djembe. In back: director Jan Burkett, Kimberly Broadwater, Dylan Smith, both with rainsticks; Steve Yoder, Shekere; J.R. Bluebaugh, Gankogui (double bell); Amy Maust and Karl Maust with Buffalo drums.

Ensemble teaches rhythm is a universal language

By JACKIE COUGHENOUR

Daily American Correspondent

SALISBURY – In the case of music and rhythm, there are few differences in human nature between cultures. After all, who can resist tapping their toes to a catchy beat? The World Drumming Ensemble hopes to fuel that urge to react to rhythm.

Salisbury-Elk Lick High School’s World Drumming Ensemble is a new experiment in the music department. It was formed this school year by band member in grades 8 through 12. They made their debut and were a hit at the school’s Christmas concert in December playing an African and a Hawaiian Christmas song. They plan to perform in the spring concert as well.

In the ensemble, much like its predecessor “The Junkyard Band,” students come up with their own rhythms, allowing them to communicate their feelings with others through their music.

Ensemble director and its members feel it is totally different than what is expected from a school band. As the name suggests, drums are the main instruments used, along with a few other percussion instruments and also at times the xylophone. The instruments all originate from other countries. Following African and Caribbean tradition, singing often accompanies the rhythms.

Jan Burkett, music director at Salisbury-Elk Lick, explains, “Teaching at a small school necessitates exploring creative ways to provide educational opportunities to students of various age and ability levels in the same ensemble. Drumming has provided an avenue in which to read and create rhythms. Students write their own rhythms and perform them on a variety of world drums and equipment. Students can advance at their own rate and be an intricate part of the ensemble.”

Burkett has been thinking about trying something like this for several years now, after learning more about it at some music conferences she has attended.

Students filing in for practice could hardly keep from tapping on the drums long enough to give their viewpoint, showing the students’ enthusiasm of this new experience.

“I like creating unique rhythms that would not be used in a common school band,” Colby Hershberger said.

“Everyone likes to bang on things to make a rhythm, it’s fun!” Karl Maust said.

Brody Thomas added, “I like using the different type instruments. It’s a unique experience that was foreign to us until we started the World Drumming Ensemble.”

Besides being fun and allowing the students to express themselves with rhythm, the World Drumming Ensemble has taught the students the origin of instruments from different countries. It also allowed them to experiment with all the new instruments learning how to play each one.